![With the energy and effort the Bolts were bringing to the game, the Phoenix had to step up and match them to make it through their first game of the season. Many of the girls on the team, including freshman Nazly Rostom, have been playing soccer since their childhood and have grown a love for the sport as a result. “It was fun to see how we actually played in a [real] game,” Rostom said. “Even though the outcome was not what we were hoping for, I’m still happy we got to play together.”](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DSC_0154-1200x800.jpg)
![Held up by a group of cheerleaders, flyer sophomore Leyu Yonas poses as part of a stunt, also supported by flyer junior Shayne Mitchell behind her. (Left) Prior to the pink out football game on Oct. 13, the athletes practiced in the aux gym from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Right) On Oct. 19, the cheerleaders competed in their District Championships at Woodgrove High School. “We definitely put all our effort on the mat [at Districts], and it showed,” Mitchell said. Left: Photo by Nadia Shirr. Right: Photo by Steve Prakope via Victor O’Neill Studios.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/feature-image-1200x823.png)
![Sophomore Xavier Smith (6), the Phoenix quarterback, runs the ball as his teammates help hold up the defense. “My [offensive] line collapses, so I just [have to run], and its a good way to get first downs because [Tuscarora’s] defense was really good,” Smith said.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IMG_5383-1200x897.jpg)
![As the referee throws the ball up for the tip-off, freshman Simone Diby leaps towards the ball to get it in Phoenix possession. Diby is a new member of the Phoenix girls basketball team, and despite it being a change, she finds it enjoyable. “It’s definitely a different experience if you’ve never played on a team, [but] I think it’s still fun.”](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/DSC_0057-1200x662.jpg)
Three times the seniors, three times the tears, and three times the cheers.
On Friday Nov. 3, the Phoenix took on the visiting Annandale Atoms for their senior night and last home football game of the season. However, it wasn’t just those who have dedicated their time and talents to the football program who were honored. Prior to the start of the game, all senior marching band members, cheerleaders, football players, and managers walked out onto the field with their friends and family to be celebrated by both the administration and their respective mentors. The line of seniors and their loved ones spanned more than half the length of the field as they posed for pictures before the game began.
After the starting kickoff, the Phoenix attempted to gain some yardage through several run and pass plays, only to be met with heavy resistance from the Atoms. Following a failed Phoenix fourth down conversion attempt, the Atoms gained possession of the ball from the previous mark and eventually took it to the endzone for a touchdown, ending the first quarter with the Phoenix down 7-0.
Back on the field for the second quarter, the Phoenix returned with one goal in mind: score. This revamped motivation paved the way for results, as several successful run plays put the Phoenix just within reach of the endzone. The Phoenix knew they had to deliver as they launched the ball to senior Darien ‘DJ’ Ferrell, who caught it for the touchdown. Combined with the one point from the field goal kick, the Phoenix finished the first half tied 7-7 with the Atoms, putting them in a much better position going into halftime.
As the marching band wrapped up their last home performance this year, the Phoenix football team knew they had to secure the lead. Beginning the third quarter with an explosive start of successful down conversions, Phoenix quarterback sophomore Xavier Smith ended the streak right, running the ball in for a touchdown and putting the Phoenix up 14-7. After triumphantly acquiring the lead, the Phoenix consistently pushed back the Atoms, who were quickly losing steam. This advancement only continued in the final minutes of the quarter, as junior Julian Ogletree scored the third Phoenix touchdown of the night, ending the third quarter with the Phoenix holding a commanding lead of 21-7.
Keeping the rhythm going to start the fourth quarter, Ogletree scored his second touchdown of the night early on, putting the Phoenix up 27-7. On the defensive side, the Phoenix continued to thwart the Atoms offensive plans with some key tackles from senior Austin Fisher preventing their progress. In the final seconds of the game with a last-ditch effort, the Atoms scored, raising their score to 13. Nevertheless, the Phoenix still concluded the game with a winning score of 27-13, as players, coaches, and students all celebrated the momentous end to the seniors’ fall high school chapter.
